Fiona Hardingham and Matt Haynes deliver a fantastic performance as two historical characters who come together despite their very different hardships. In 1666, the plague has left Cecilia a widow shortly after her marriage. David, a foreign Jewish doctor, is hoping to treat Cecilia's mental health. Initially, the protagonists have such different backgrounds that they might as well be from separate novels, but when they meet, the narrators create a stunning duet. While David is seeking creditability as a Jewish doctor in London and Cecilia is in constant mourning, they both share the same stubbornness and cynicism through observations that are delivered with quirkiness and humor. The budding romance is also depicted at a believable pace. An unconventional performance is infused with suspense and banter.
Pub Date: March 12, 2024
Duration: 10 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593668771
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners will be delighted and entertained by the lively performances in this diverting production.
Narrators Mary Jane Wells and Morag Sims perform a dual narration of Alban’s latest Sapphic historical romance. In Regency-era Bath, Lady Rosalie rules the debutante social set. When newcomer Catherine arrives, both women are immediately intrigued despite being pitted against each other as rivals by their meddling mothers. The two must navigate the ton and their growing attraction. Wells and Sims both have extensive experience narrating the genre. Their lively portrayals bring the couple to life, capturing the myriad emotions the young women experience as their story progresses. Both narrators distinguish the personalities of those closest to Rosalie and Catherine with expressive voices.
Listeners will be delighted and entertained by the lively performances in this diverting production.Pub Date: Jan. 13, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063428799
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2026
Hewitt magnificently transports listeners to a postwar America when dreams of a fresh start collide with haunting wartime...
Caroline Hewitt's evocative portrait of a Hungarian countess in post-WWII Minnesota is an engaging listen. Twenty-four-year-old Roza, winningly portrayed with a soft accent and assured demeanor, is engaged to American soldier Joe. When she arrives in Minnesota on a two-week G.I. visa, she learns that Joe is already married. Roza shares her story with a local journalist. The published column brings in more than 1,700 marriage proposals from American military servicemen. Roza chooses to marry Finn, and they settle in his small Minnesota hometown.
Hewitt magnificently transports listeners to a postwar America when dreams of a fresh start collide with haunting wartime memories.Pub Date: Jan. 13, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063457065
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 10, 2026
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